EP REVIEW: Denials - Past Lives
After a 6 year hiatus playing in numerous other bands, friends Steve White, vocals and Lee Crimes, guitars and all other instruments regrouped and reignited their love for playing music together to form Denials.
They take influence from post hardcore whilst putting their own spin on the genre.
The band depict notions of desperation and hopelessness and turn them into a thing of emotional beauty on their epic debut EP.
I will say now with themes of abandonment, religious exploitation, struggles with mental health and relationships "Past Lives" isn't always the easiest listen. Not because it's bad, far from it, for two people to produce something so intricate and elaborate that's been self recorded at home is mind blowing. More because it demands all your attention. It's not catchy, you'll not be singing along in two listens. It's dark, deep and you need to give it your full concentration to get the most out of the listening experience.
Musically the EP is quite progressive teetering on Djent with lots of complex rhythms and dramatic riffs. While vocally epic with hints of post hardcore and metalcore but also really reminding me of Muse, particularly first album with lots of soaring powerhouse vocals.
Title track "Past Lives" has a definite post hardcore feel with a hint of a pop punk melody. The chorus is huge and stops you on your tracks.
"Serenity" is progressive and rocky; it's a battle of pure emotions. I love the booming drum track and harsh riff on this one.
"Sin" starts with some gentile vocals before erupting into a voyage of passion and pain. It's a gut wrenching listen.
The last track on the EP is most easily accessible. "Weights" has a more infectious indie feel although it still retains the progressive nature of the rest of the record with Dejnt tendencies. It at times really reminded me of InMe, and the chanty "I want to get better" both offers impact and a catchy hook.
Overall this EP is great. Take your time with it, you're not going to turn it on and be instantly moshing round your living room. It's going to take you on a powerful, painful journey, it'll make you think and feel. It crosses many genres from rock to indie and mainly focuses on a more progressive vibe. It has a feel of bands like TeaseracT but can also get likened to musicians such as Muse while having certain notions of pop punk vocals and riffs.
I've read other reviews that compare the record very differently to how I have but I guess that's the beauty of music we all hear and interpret it a different way and take different things from it.
Admittedly I don't think "Past Lives" is for everyone but if you get it, you'll love it!
